Hello.

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
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tlloyd
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 10:49 pm

Hello.

Post by tlloyd »

Hi, and nice to meet you all! I am glad I have found this site, as I have always felt I am the only one with what I guess is LOBPI(?). All I ever knew was, when I was born I couldn't move my left arm until I was about 5 months old. Gotta an interesting story about that, but will tell later. :) When I was about 10, I noticed my left arm would not fully extend. Three years ago, at 25, I finally had the means to see a doctor about it. After the meetings with him, he told me I had what was probably Erb's Palsy. One surgery and $$$ worth of therapy later, still no straighter. :(

Well, I've always hated, and still do, what I have. But I guess there is worse. I am an accomplished and talented (so I'm told) drummer for many years now. And nobody ever notices. (I hide it well by putting my left hand in my pocket or holding my beer!!)

But, alas, I still yearn for a straight, "normal" arm. This site and message board seems very informative, and friendly, too! I hope to meet some of you and talk about ways to improve what we live with.

One thing I'd like to start with is: has anyone heard of Rolfing? (info can be found at www.rolf.org). A friend of mine, and massage therapist, suggested I look into it. But because it is not usually covered by insurance and is not a "traditional" practice, I thought I would ask you all. See if anybody has experience or knowledge of this. Wondering if I should try it....

I look forward to talking with you all!!
Tom Bacarella
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jennyb
Posts: 1183
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2001 5:24 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: January 1980 Yamaha RD200 vs 16 wheeler truck, result, 1 totally paralysed right arm. I was 21, now 54. I had no surgery, I don't regret this. Decided to totally ignore limitations (easily done aged 21) adapted very quickly to one handed life, got married, had 3 kids, worked- the effect of the injury on my life (once the pain stopped being constant) was minimal and now, aged 54, I very rarely even think of it, unless I bash it or it gets cold, then I wish I'd had it amputated :) Except for a steering knob on my car, I have no adaptations to help with life, mainly because I honestly don't think of myself as disabled and the only thing I can't do is peel potatoes, which is definitely a good thing.

Re: Hello.

Post by jennyb »

Hi Tom
I am tbpi, my injury was caused later in life in a road accident. I'm replying to your post because you memntion Rolfing. A person I know had Rolfing treatment and in the process sustained quite a severe peripheral nerve injury (Erbs palsy and in fact any bpi injury is a peripheral nerve injury), which has since been exacerbated by a botched surgery to correct the problems. I would be VERY careful having such potentially damaging treatment, if you do decide to go ahead, make sure the person doing the massage knows about your injury.
I hope this is of some help!
Regards Jen NZ :0)
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tlloyd
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 10:49 pm

Re: Hello.

Post by tlloyd »

Thanks Jenny for the info. I certainly don't want to be in worse shape! I will definately be looking in to it before doing it.

Tom B
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